Royal Sun Blazei
Also known as: Agaricus blazei Murrill, ABM, Royal Sun Blazei, Royal Sun Agaricus, Himematsutake, Cogumelo do Sol, Agaricus blazei
Overview
Agaricus blazei, also known as Royal Sun Blazei or ABM, is a medicinal mushroom native to Brazil and cultivated globally. It's recognized for its potential health benefits, primarily related to immune support and as an adjunct in cancer therapy. The mushroom contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides (β-glucans), ergosterol, and other unique metabolites. These components contribute to its immunomodulatory, antitumor, and antioxidant properties. ABM is available in various forms, including dried mushroom, extracts, and supplements. Research suggests it may help manage chronic conditions like diabetes and hypercholesterolemia, but more extensive clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects. While generally considered safe, quality control is essential to avoid contamination.
Benefits
Agaricus blazei exhibits several potential health benefits, primarily supported by preclinical and limited clinical evidence. Preclinical studies demonstrate antitumor and immunomodulatory effects, showing inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis in rodent models. Clinical studies suggest improved quality of life and immune status in cancer patients when used as an adjuvant therapy. Additionally, ABM demonstrates antioxidant and antigenotoxic activity in vitro and in animal studies. Some clinical evidence indicates potential metabolic benefits, such as hypocholesterolemic and antiobesity effects, along with lowering of blood pressure and liver enzymes in specific populations. However, the effect sizes in clinical studies are often modest, and more large-scale, high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these benefits.
How it works
Agaricus blazei exerts its effects through several biological pathways. Its polysaccharides and polysaccharide-protein complexes stimulate immune cells, enhancing cytokine production, such as TNF and IL-8, thereby modulating the immune system. Ergosterol and pyroglutamate exhibit antiangiogenic and antiblastic effects, inhibiting tumor neovascularization. Additionally, ABM functions as an antioxidant by scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative DNA damage. While polysaccharides are poorly absorbed orally and may act via gut-associated lymphoid tissue, other bioactive compounds like ergosterol and pyroglutamate may have better systemic bioavailability. These interactions collectively contribute to ABM's immunomodulatory, antitumor, and antioxidant properties.
Side effects
Agaricus blazei is generally well-tolerated, with no major safety concerns reported in clinical studies. The most commonly reported side effect is mild gastrointestinal discomfort, though this is rare. Uncommon side effects, occurring in 1-5% of users, are not well-documented but may include allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Rare side effects have not been reported in available literature. No significant drug interactions have been reported, but caution is advised when using ABM with immunosuppressants due to its immunomodulatory effects. It is contraindicated in individuals with hypersensitivity to mushrooms. Safety in pregnancy and lactation has not been established, and caution is advised when used in immunocompromised individuals. Overall, ABM is considered safe, but further research is needed to fully characterize its long-term safety profile.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of Agaricus blazei is not well established, but typical clinical doses range from 3–5 g of dried mushroom or extract, taken three times daily, totaling 9-15 g/day. This dosage is often used as an adjuvant therapy for cancer. The maximum safe dose has not been established, and long-term safety data are limited. It may be taken with meals to reduce potential gastrointestinal discomfort. Hot water extracts are the most commonly used form in clinical settings. Polysaccharides in ABM may require gut microbiota for activation. Due to limited data, it is crucial to adhere to recommended dosages and consult with a healthcare professional before starting supplementation.
FAQs
Is Agaricus blazei safe?
Agaricus blazei is generally considered safe, with mild gastrointestinal discomfort being the most commonly reported side effect. However, those with mushroom allergies or on immunosuppressants should exercise caution. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
How should I take Agaricus blazei?
It is typically taken in doses of 3-5g of dried mushroom or extract three times daily, preferably with meals to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort. Hot water extracts are commonly used in clinical settings.
What are the primary benefits of Agaricus blazei?
The primary benefits include immunomodulation, potential antitumor effects, and antioxidant activity. It is often used as an adjuvant therapy in cancer and may offer metabolic benefits, such as improved cholesterol levels.
Can Agaricus blazei cure cancer?
No, Agaricus blazei is not a standalone cancer treatment. It should be used as an adjuvant to conventional cancer therapies to potentially improve immune status and quality of life. Consult with a healthcare professional for appropriate cancer treatment options.
Are there any drug interactions with Agaricus blazei?
No significant drug interactions have been reported, but caution is advised when using ABM with immunosuppressants due to its immunomodulatory effects. Always inform your healthcare provider about all supplements you are taking.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3833359/ – This review of preclinical and clinical studies indicates that Agaricus blazei improves immune status and quality of life in cancer patients and provides modest metabolic benefits in individuals with hypercholesterolemia and hypertension. The review highlights the need for larger, more rigorous randomized controlled trials to confirm these findings due to the limitations of small sample sizes and methodological heterogeneity in existing studies.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24288568/ – This study investigates the effects of Agaricus blazei Murill on cytokine production in vitro. The results showed that ABM can modulate the immune response by influencing the production of cytokines, suggesting its potential as an immunomodulatory agent. This provides insight into the mechanisms through which ABM may exert its beneficial effects on the immune system.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7285126/ – This review discusses the immunomodulatory and anti-tumor properties of Agaricus blazei, emphasizing its potential role in cancer therapy. It highlights the mushroom's ability to stimulate the immune system and inhibit tumor growth through various mechanisms, including the activation of immune cells and the suppression of angiogenesis. The review suggests that ABM could be a valuable adjunct to conventional cancer treatments.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2249742/ – This paper presents preclinical antitumor studies in rodent models, demonstrating that Agaricus blazei extracts inhibit tumor growth and metastasis through immunomodulation and antiangiogenesis. While the findings are promising, the authors note that results from animal models may not fully translate to humans, underscoring the need for further clinical research to validate these effects.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5339630/ – This in vitro study evaluates the antigenotoxic activity of Agaricus blazei, revealing that it exhibits significant antioxidant and antigenotoxic effects comparable to quercetin. The study suggests that ABM's antioxidant properties may contribute to its potential health benefits, but it also acknowledges that in vitro results may not fully reflect in vivo effects, limiting its direct clinical relevance.
